Everything you should be locking in throughout December and the extended Christmas break

From fun and immersive kids offerings — set to keep the spark of creativity alive within little ones throughout the long break — to stellar musical performances, unique art exhibitions, comedic endeavours and cinematic offerings, the arrival of the summer season heralds a plethora of events worth leaving the beach for.

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Flavour Full Art Exhibition

Flavour Full Art Exhibition

You may not know his name but you will have no doubt seen designs — young curator and artist Serval Fandango has lent his talents to a number of exciting projects for the likes of Brothers Beer, Resene and Red Bull, alongside Auckland eateries like Kiss Kiss and Love Exposure. This month, he joins forces with an array of emerging artists — including Flora Xie, Abbey Gamit and AHSIN AHSIN — to showcase a vast and varied range of exciting pieces — spanning photography, paintings, digital art and motion graphics. be sure to pop in if you’re walking past the ASB Waterfront Theatre, it’s free and the works are fantastic.For more information, click here. On until 13th December

Hansel & Gretel

Hansel & Gretel

Set to be a vividly memorable show, this stunning adaptation of everybody’s favourite fairytale will be the first, full-length ballet score commissioned from a female composer in the history of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Performed live by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra alongside some breathtaking, plié-ing, pirouetting talent, this is local ballet at its finest.For tickets and more information, click here. On until 14th December, ASB Theatre.

Under My Skin

Under My Skin

The latest exhibition to showcase at Allpress Studio explores issues of intimacy, relationships, and behaviour by delving into the animal side of human nature — via taxidermy. At Under My Skin, an exhibition presented by artist Karley Feaver, an array of weird and wonderful pieces await, from a set of 24 carat gold roosters to a deer with birds feet for antlers.For more information, click here.2nd – 19th December, Allpress Studio

Carly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen

It’s been seven years since she released the insanely catchy Call Me Maybe and in that time, Carly Rae-Jepsen has transformed herself from innocent, girl next door with belt-it-out-tunes to a more edgy variation of herself with seductive songs and a bleached blonde, choppy haircut. Aucklander’s can expect to see this whole new side of Jepsen when she performs at the Auckland Town Hall, fresh off the back of her latest, disco-driven album, Dedicated. For more information and tickets, click here. 4th December, Auckland Town Hall

Goose Boards travelling Pump Track

Goose Boards travelling Pump Track

One for the thrill-seekers, a transportable ‘skate park’ is coming to various locations around Auckland. Kicking off on 30th November at Grey Lynn’s Ozone Coffee Roasters, the epic Pump Track will then move onto other discerning hospitality hotspots before travelling further around the North Island as part of its Summer Series. For more information on its whereabouts, follow Goose Boards’ Facebook page, found here. On until March

Jo Koy

Jo Koy

Thanks to his highly anticipated Netflix special, Comin’ In Hot and his stand-up comedy album Live From Seattle —which reached #1 on the Billboard Charts less — Jo Koy is the comedian who is tickling the funny bones of people from all over the world — not bad for a guy who started his career performing at a Las Vegas coffee house. You can expect to join his swarming legion of fans when he brings his Just Kidding World Tour to The Civic mid-December. Taking place on a Tuesday, this makes for a perfect mid-week pick-me-up. For more information and tickets, click here. 10th December, The Civic

Dita Von Teese

Dita Von Teese

For the first time ever, the Queen of Burlesque is coming to New Zealand, bringing with her a show filled with humour, contemporary, sophisticated strip and more glorious fashion choices than you can shake a red-soled Louboutin at.For more information and tickets, click here. 13th December, The Civic

The Addams Family

The Addams Family

Forget everything you thought you knew about the Addams’, because in this bewitching musical, Wednesday Addams is all grown up, and has a secret that only her father knows: she’s fallen in love with a ‘normal’ boy from a respectable family. Expect a storyline as gripping as the live accompanying orchestra is electrifying.For more information and tickets, click here. 13th – 15th December, ASB Theatre

Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher

Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, renowned for his sartorial conveyor belt of parkas and incessant loud-mouthed antics, is bringing his one-man show to Auckland for one night only. Prepare for a night of Oasis classics, new solo material and countless profanities from one of Britain’s best rock ‘n’ roll stars.For more information and tickets, click here. 20th December, Spark Arena

Cats

Cats

Trippy as hell but entertaining as ever, the latest movie adaptation of Cats — starring a smattering of big names you wouldn’t expect to see together, like Judi Dench and Taylor Swift — is going to be one wild ride.In cinemas 26th December

Bombshell

Bombshell

More relevant than ever in this post Me Too environment, the star-laden Bombshell recounts the dramatic toppling of Roger Ailes, Fox News’ former chairman and CEO, and the media storm that ensued. We’re anticipating Oscars for Theron, Kidman and Robbie — a triumphant win for females all round. In cinemas 1st January

Lewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi

Hitting Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with his slow jam, ‘Someone You Loved’, and promptly going viral due to his self-deprecating Instagram posts, Scottish crooner Lewis Capaldi has a name that’s made itself at home on everybody’s lips. Especially so of the lips of New Zealander’s, given his impending arrival mid-January, where he will be bringing all of his hearty ballads to the Auckland Town Hall. For more information and entry, click here.7th January, Auckland Town Hall

Little Women

Little Women

Another film that’s With Meryl Streep, Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson and Timothée Chalamet at the centre of this divine reimagining, we can only suspect that this new movie adaptation is going to be just as magical as the book.In cinemas 2nd January

Mac DeMarco

Mac DeMarco

Touching down in the City of Sails for just one night early January, McBriare Samuel Lanyon, aka lackadaisical Canadian singer-songwriter Mac DeMarco, is set to offer one of the most alluring performances of the summer. His lighthearted sound tied in with his on-stage practical jokes and general tomfoolery make for an entirely riveting experience. For more information and tickets, click here. 8th January, Auckland Town Hall

Alice In Wonderland: Live On Stage

Alice In Wonderland: Live On Stage

Take a trip down the rabbit hole via Boyd Production’s enchanting performance of Alice in Wonderland. With captivating puppetry and jokes galore, you can rest assured this is one madcap adventure children will remember long after the curtains have closed. For more information and tickets, click here.9th – 12th January, Bruce Mason Centre

Louis Theroux

Louis Theroux

From swingers parties to notoriously harsh prisons, Louis Theroux has a love for throwing himself into the centre of some wild endeavours. In his first-ever live show, Louis Theroux Without Limits, the BBC filmmaker and immersive journalist will delve into his weird and wonderful catalogue of work to share some of his most phenomenal stories. For more information and tickets, click here. 10th January, The Civic

Orville Peck

Orville Peck

At the epicentre of a whole new wave of Country music is Orville Peck, a masked musician whose debut album Pony, has garnered a serious amount of attention. Next month, he’ll be bringing his spaghetti western-style to the Tuning Fork for just one night only — so we suggest you dust off your cowboy boots and get on board.For more information and tickets, click here. 12th January, Tuning Fork

FOMO

FOMO

One day, one stage, and a plethora of fine musical talent — FOMO Festival is back for another year. This iteration might just be the best yet thanks to a setlist comprising vocal powerhouse Lizzo and Californian rap collection Brockhampton, to name just a few.For more information and tickets, click here. 15th January, The Trusts Arena

Billy Idol

Billy Idol

Whether you’re a die-hard Idol fan or just regard ‘White Wedding’ as a favourite guilty pleasure, with classics galore Billy Idol’s upcoming live show is set to be an enjoyable experience for all. For more information and tickets, click here.19th January, Western Springs

My Dad Wrote A Porno

My Dad Wrote A Porno

Prepare yourself for more hilarious un-erotica, because the live iteration of the acclaimed My Dad Wrote A Porno podcast will be returning to Auckland for the second time this January, lowering the tone of the Auckland Town Hall and splitting our sides in one fell swoop.For more information and tickets, click here. 20th January, Auckland Town Hall

Denmark Design

Denmark Design

This October, the Auckland Art Gallery will be paying ode to impeccable Danish design craftsmanship via an all-encompassing exhibition. Spanning centuries, Denmark Design charts developments from the 19th century right up until modern-day, putting over 200 of the most iconic, original Danish household items on display — from the Lego brick to the Panton chair — from some of the country’s most skilful designers and manufacturers.For more information, click here. On now until 2nd February 2020

Auckland Folk Festival

Auckland Folk Festival

Ideal for those families who are still in the city come late January, the Auckland Folk Festival — now in its 47th year — is a laid back event for all ages comprising live music, kids programmes, workshops, and more. 2020’s iteration sees two-time Grammy Award winner Tim O’Brien, a folk legend in America, take to the stage as the headliner, alongside an array of other folky talents from both near and far. For the full line-up, tickets and more information on the event, click here. 24th – 27th January